Moving Forward in Uncertain Times: 5 Keys to Success

When we think of Mount Everest several images come to mind: the highest peak in the world; danger; challenge; climbers who succeed and some who die; horrendous weather conditions; and survival are just a few. What I find interesting is that when my clients are having difficulty in doing what they say they are going to do they will say, "well, it isn’t Mount Everest, I should be able to do it." Situations can range from having a difficult conversation with a boss, co-worker or family member; writing a few pages for an article someone would like published; picking up the phone to call a prospective client; asserting our needs on a challenging project; or asking for support. In their mind my clients are comparing what they want to do with a risky, extremely difficult event.

This made me realize that each of us has things in our life that feel like Mount Everest, and I started thinking about formulating helpful ways to work with these situations.

One key guideline is to acknowledge that the given situation is a challenge for us uniquely, and to appreciate that it's not productive to compare ourselves to others. It may not be Mount Everest literally, but it certainly may be feeling that way for you, and acknowledging that without judgment can give you the opportunity to look at what steps you may want to take so the task becomes doable.

ONE OF TWO APPROACHES

We can’t seem to escape all the bad economic news, whether it is the price of gas, or companies cutting budgets or lay off’s or the housing market- it is challenging to find a way to move forward when we are so uncertain as to what we are moving to. I am observing a common theme from those I talk to that now is the time to “to hunker down out of sight” and “just get through” whatever is to come, put dreams and goals on hold. Their inner dialogue says: “I will survive but it will be tough, it is out of my control, I am stuck and out of options, what is the use anyway”. What if we held the perspective that we could use this time to our advantage and continue on our personal and professional journey’s without a major disruption. Imagine we are in the martial art of Akido where you move with the flow of what is coming at you rather than retreat or fight. Below are some suggestions to keep you flexible and directed in order to be successful during uncertain times.

Focus Your Attention on What Matters:
What are your intentions, values and vision. Be clear about what has meaning, importance and priority . Spend the time and money you have on those things that really make a difference in your life.
Make Sure Your Professional Life is in Order:
What skills do you need to sustain your marketability? Are you networking and keeping your pulse on opportunities? Do you have a resume that is up to date? Are you in conversation with your boss about your performance and doing what you can to excel in your current job?
Notice Your Inner Dialogue:
Are you thinking about all the “what if’s” and worse case scenarios. Are you focused on self- limiting conversations about how tough it is and staying engaged with all your doubts and concerns about the future? Are you with people who commiserate into “aint it awful”? What would be a better use of your mental energy? What is really true about your particular situation? Are you discerning the facts from your feelings and fears so you can deal with reality and take steps that are in your control?
Open Up to Possibilities:
Are you really thinking outside of the box and giving yourself the time to explore the “outrageous”? Are you engaging in activities that allow for creativity and encourage innovation and new ways of thinking? Are you are open to the idea that there are many more solutions once we give ourselves the opportunity to go beyond what we currently know?
Don’t Underestimate the Obvious:
Laugh a lot, love a lot, find support, take small steps, acknowledge yourself and what you have accomplished, focus on what you are grateful for, breathe.